Chief Theater Sign Brought Back to Life

This weekend, a moment that many have waited 20 years for finally happened, and it’s making life in Pocatello just a little bit brighter.

Hundreds gathered on Main Street in Old Town Pocatello to be a part of history, as a chief is once again watching over the city.

“On March 20, 1993, 20 years ago, the theater burned down. Tonight we get to bring the chief back and relight it; I’m so excited about that,” said Mayor Brian Blad at the ceremony.

The honor of flipping the switch was raffled off and the lucky ticket holder got to bring life back to the sign that he stood under years ago.

Thomas Potter, who won the raffle, told us, “I remember coming down to Pocatello, going to the Chief Theater and watching 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with Charlton Heston when I was 10 years old.”

Only the Chief Theater sign and tile mosaic were saved after the devastating fire nearly 2 decades ago, and the relight the night committee has worked tirelessly to return them to their rightful place.

“Now the chief sign stands proudly beside the mosaic and both are now home where they belong,” announced the Chair of the Relight the Night committee, Randy Dixon.

And home is where they’ll stay, proving that Pocatello will always prosper, as long as there are people to put in the work.

“It’s kind of like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it’s back, and although the theater is not here the memories still are and the sign will be here to remind us,” added Potter.

The Historic Old Town Pocatello Foundation wants to encourage all East Idahoans to come take a look at the restored sign and enjoy the shops and restaurants that surround it.